Will Lamotrigine help prevent my tonic-clonic seizures?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 41 and recently started Lamotrigine after experiencing tonic-clonic seizures. Will Lamotrigine actually help prevent tonic-clonic seizures at 41? I have had two seizures this year, and the experience has been frightening.

I'm always afraid I'm going to have another seizure in public or while driving. I'm worried about side effects because I'm feeling dizzy and mentally foggy from the medication.

How long does it take for me to know if Lamotrigine is working? Can I reasonably expect to be seizure-free, or should I expect breakthrough seizures even if I am on treatment?

Losing my independence is one of my greatest fears. It’s like these seizures started and my life changed overnight. I want some reassurance that this medication is going to give me stability and help me feel safe and confident again.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I am sorry you are going through this, because having tonic-clonic seizures begin suddenly in adulthood can feel as though your sense of safety and independence has been taken away overnight.

Lamotrigine is a well-established anti-seizure medication, and for many people, it can significantly reduce or completely prevent tonic-clonic seizures, including at your age, especially once the dose has been gradually increased to a therapeutic level.

Side effects such as dizziness, mental fogginess or mild unsteadiness are very common in the first few weeks of treatment. These side effects usually get better as your body gets used to the medicine and the dose is slowly increased under medical supervision.

Most clinicians do not judge success of Lamotrigine during the early adjustment period, but rather after a stable therapeutic dose is established, usually after several weeks to a few months.

For many patients, complete seizure control is a realistic goal when the right medication and dose are found. Some people may still have occasional breakthrough seizures despite treatment; this doesn’t mean treatment has failed. It may mean a dose adjustment or extra treatment is needed.

Until your neurologist confirms your seizures are well controlled, you should continue your safety precautions for now, especially when driving or doing other potentially hazardous things.

What you are feeling emotionally is totally understandable. Many people with newly diagnosed epilepsy experience fear, uncertainty and worry about losing their independence. The good news is that if you have a good treatment plan and get the follow-up and care to control seizures, many patients become stable and confident and live a normal life.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.